The United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET) is offering a Communications Internship for graduate students or recent graduates with strong graphic design and digital skills. Based in New York or fully remote, the role starts in January 2027 and supports UNODET's visual communications work at the heart of global technology governance.
About UNODET: The UN's Newest Office for Digital Policy
UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, making it one of the most recently created offices within the United Nations system. Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation, working closely with UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups worldwide.
🏛️ Advise the senior leadership of the UN on key trends in technology | 🤝 Serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation | 💬 Facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue | 🔗 Strengthen system-wide coordination | 📋 Support the follow-up of the Global Digital Compact
UNODET's Role in AI Governance
🧠 Independent International Scientific Panel on AI: authoritative scientific body for evidence-based analysis | 🌍 Global Dialogue on AI Governance: multilateral forum shaping responsible AI governance
What the Communications Intern Will Do
🖼️ Design visual assets for social media, websites, events, and publications using Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva
📄 Support production of digital publications and communications materials
🌐 Assist with updating website content, layouts, and visual elements
✅ Assist with quality checks for visuals, links, layout, and accessibility across digital platforms
📢 Support communications coverage of key UNODET initiatives and events
Who Can Apply: Education Requirements
🎓 Currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), OR already graduated at that level, OR completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university in a country where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages.
Preferred fields: 📐 Design | 📣 Communications | 📊 Marketing | related fields
Skills and Tools You Will Need
🎨 Strong graphic design skills | 🖥️ Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva | 🌐 Interest in web design and digital storytelling | 💻 Experience with web design, CMS, and basic HTML/CSS highly desirable
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in English required | 🌍 Another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is an advantage
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Work Location and Schedule
📍 United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States — also fully remote available | 🕐 Both full-time and part-time schedules considered
Duration and Start Date
📆 Expected duration: 3 to 6 months | 🗓️ Desired start date: January 2027
Visa and Work Authorization Requirements
🛂 Non-US citizens/permanent residents or non-immigrant visa holders will need a G4 visa. The selected intern is responsible for ensuring valid visa and approved employment authorization (CPT, OPT, or AT) before the internship begins.
Financial Terms
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the full responsibility of interns. The UN does not charge any fee during the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this internship paid?
No. Interns at the United Nations are not financially remunerated. Costs of travel, accommodation, visas, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Can I apply if I am not in New York?
Yes. The position accepts both in-person candidates at UN Headquarters and fully remote participants. Both full-time and part-time schedules are open.
What tools and software must I know?
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Canva is required. Experience with web design, CMS, and basic HTML and CSS is highly desirable.
What visa do I need as a non-US applicant?
If you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or on a non-immigrant visa such as F1 or J1, you will need a G4 visa along with approved employment authorization (CPT, OPT, or AT).
What is UNODET?
The UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies was established on 1 January 2025. Its mandate covers advising UN leadership on technology trends, advocating for global digital cooperation, strengthening coordination across the UN system, and implementing the Global Digital Compact.
